Open AccessPharmaceutical regulation of telomerase and its clinical potential
Author(s) -
Sprouse Alyssa A.,
Steding Catherine E.,
Herbert BrittneyShea
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01460.x
Subject(s) - telomerase , telomere , telomerase reverse transcriptase , biology , somatic cell , telomerase rna component , cancer research , dna , genetics , gene
• Introduction• Telomerase inhibitors• Telomerase activators• Conclusions and perspectivesTelomeres serve the dual function of protecting chromosomes from genomic instability as well as protecting the ends of chromosomes from DNA damage machinery. The enzyme responsible for telomere maintenance is telomerase, an enzyme capable of reverse transcription. Telomerase activity is typically limited to specific cell types. However, telomerase activation in somatic cells serves as a key step toward cell immortalization and cancer. Targeting telomerase serves as a potential cancer treatment with significant therapeutic benefits. Beyond targeting cancers by inhibiting telomerase, manipulating the regulation of telomerase may also provide therapeutic benefit to other ailments, such as those related to aging. This review will introduce human telomeres and telomerase and discuss pharmacological regulation of telomerase, including telomerase inhibitors and activators, and their use in human diseases.